2012 NFL Draft Picks By Team: Ravens

Upshaw was one of the best players on one of the best defenses in college football history during the regular season. The outside linebacker led his team in tackles for loss with 17 (no other player had more than 9.5) and 8.5 sacks (second best on the team was 3.5). He also forced two fumbles -- tied for first on the Crimson Tide roster. Upshaw helped lead Alabama to an 11-1 record and a place in the BCS National Championship.
One of the best 3-4 outside linebacker prospects in the business, Upshaw has good size at 6'2'' and 265 pounds. He has been clocked as fast as 4.65 in the 40-yard dash, but would do well to improve upon that number at the combine. The Eufaula, AL native also has plenty of experience, having played in 27 games as a freshman and sophomore. Upshaw has been a full-time starter--and a great one at that--as a junior and senior. He also led the team in tackles for loss (14.5) and sacks (seven) last year. He will head into the next level with no red flags of any kind and he can be expected to go off the board during the first round.... [Read More]

Osemele has a ton of potential and could project almost anywhere along the offensive line in the NFL. He's built like a brick wall at 6'6" and 347 pounds. Has very long arms, good athleticism, and is very powerful. He'll likely end up at right tackle since he's just not quick enough to seal the edge if he played on the left.
The bottom line here is that Osemele is a very raw prospect who at times struggles to maintain technique. Since he's so strong, there are times when he doesn't set his feet properly or extend his arms to initiate contact. He needs to remember to stay low, bend his knees, and absorb contact.
That said, the sky is the limit here and given his penchant for both pass and run blocking, NFL teams are going to love this guy. His mean streak (something all offensive linemen must have) is unquestioned. He is looking to take guys out every play. Osemele's elite size, strength, and bulk are all going to pass the eye-ball test for scouts and he's going to catch a lot of attention because of it.... [Read More]

Temple Owls running back Bernard Pierce is a good-sized back with explosion and quickness. Ultimately, his combine is going to dictate where he lands in the 2012 NFL Draft after running all over the competition in the Mid-American Conference. Pierce ran for 1,381 yards and 25 TDs in only 10 games this year.
Pierce loves to cut back and explode through holes. He always runs like he is one step ahead of defenders with good vision. He's a former track star who could surprise scouts with a sub 4.5 40-yard dash time. In all likelihood, it'll be a bit slower than that but even still, Pierce's decisive running style will appeal to running back coaches across the league.
Backs of Pierce's size have to play behind their lines and trust their blockers. They create a big target and will take a lot of punishment. The longer they can stay protected, the better.
He needs to improve his ability to fight through crowds and keep his balance. Scouts will definitely be weary of the competition he faced playing in the MAC. Pierce was simply more athletic than many of his opponents and when he did face BCS-caliber opponents, his play didn't carry over as well.... [Read More]

Gino Gradkowski is a late-round interior lineman prospect who might be a better fit as an undrafted free agent.
This pick by Baltimore really feels like a regional scout getting his guy. Remember, Joe Flacco played at Delaware and this could be a player they've had their eye on for a couple of years now.
Gradkowski was a FCS All-American as a senior. He stated in a pre-draft interview that he felt Baltimore would be a good situation for him where he could learn behind veteran Matt Birk. Gradkowski is described as very coachable and plays with a mean streak. He is detail oriented, watches lots of game film and focuses on fundamentals. While lacking ideal athleticism or size, Gradkowski moves well in space and can pull in either direction. Maintains great pad level and identifies blitzes well pre-snap.
Gradkowski established himself as a commodity by scheduling many team workouts leading up to the draft. Getting his name out there and putting in the work pre-draft earned him his spot with the Ravens.... [Read More]

Streeter did very little during his first two seasons at Miami. In fact, he caught just six total passes in those two years while making one start. The speedy wideout erupted in 2011. He started eight games and finished with 46 receptions for 811 yards and eight touchdowns. Against Virginia he hauled in seven passes for 176 yards. Streeter averaged 17.6 yards per catch, which led the ACC among receivers with at least 40 receptions. The breakout campaign convinced him to leave school early and enter the NFL.
The Miami, FL native is blessed with an incredible blend of size and speed. He registers at 6'5'' and 215 pounds. He generally runs in the 4.4s of the 40-yard dash and he has been clocked as fast as 4.38 from that distance. Streeter is especially dangerous running "go" routes and he has an uncanny ability to go up and snag the ball in traffic. He has reliable hands for the most part, although he often catches it with his body rather than his hands. Streeter does not have a ton of experience and his route-running can be improved. His upside, of course, is tremendous given his physical attributes. He will almost certainly be an enticing red-zone target at the next level. Based ... [Read More]